No matter your philosophical, religious, or political views on abortion, the fact of the matter is, the actual experience can affect women not only on a personal level but can potentially have psychological repercussions. Women’s reasons for having an abortion are always highly personal, but it’s important to remember that some women might choose to have an abortion after experiencing rape at the hands of a stranger or someone they know. Conversely, at times women may feel compelled not to follow through with a pregnancy under pressure from a husband, boyfriend, or family member. In any case, it is usually thought of as a solution to stressful circumstances.

Post Abortion Stress Syndrome (PASS) is the name that has been given to the psychological aftereffects of abortion, based on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It is important to note that this is not a term that has been accepted by the American Psychiatric Association or the American Psychological Association. In fact, pro-choice advocates accuse their counterparts of making up PASS in order to further their political agendas.

Nevertheless, any event that causes trauma can indeed result in PTSD, and abortion is no exception. A woman can be of sound and solid mind when she makes a choice to terminate a pregnancy, but it is never an easy decision. Even when it is the right decision, there is sometimes a level of conflict that needs to be addressed so that the woman can be at peace with her choice. Believing that PASS exists does not mean that one does not believe in a woman’s right to choose; it simply means that one believes in supportive and constructive counseling around the trauma symptoms.

Symptoms of PASS may include any of the following:

Guilt: Experiencing guilt does not imply that you made a mistake or “violated your own moral code,” as some pro-lifers would imply. However, feelings around having an abortion may be complex and have to take into account fear of what others might think.

Anxiety: General anxiety is a common symptom of PTSD—in the case of PASS, there might be a particular anxiety over fertility issues and the ability to get pregnant again.

Flashbacks: Abortion is surgery, and in most cases, it’s surgery that happens while the patient is fully conscious. This can be a distressing experience.

Suicidal thoughts: In extreme cases, the PTSD that results from a controversial abortion could lead to suicidal thoughts or tendencies and would require immediate treatment. It’s important to note that this is not a common or expected symptom of PASS, but as with any form of PTSD, it is possible.

While abortion can induce post-traumatic stress in some, others will suffer no repercussions at all. In fact, studies have shown that women may feel relieved after experiencing an abortion. However, women who are okay with having an abortion are more likely to talk about their experience than women who are ashamed and regretful and have a better chance of working through this process faster than other women. Nevertheless, even those who argue that PASS does not exist will acknowledge that having an abortion may induce normal feelings of sadness, grief, or regret. And women with religious backgrounds can have a hard time choosing to abort. But admitting that abortion is a difficult choice does not equate to admitting that it is “wrong.”

Feelings are complex, and sometimes a woman will need to seek out counseling to help her sort through her own emotions and reactions as well as any perceived or actual stigma she may be experiencing. Post-abortion syndrome exists and could be overcome, even if the women believe that they are not allowed to be happy again. A compassionate, unbiased, and appropriate counselor can help a woman who has undergone an abortion come to terms with her decision and find peace again—without a political agenda.

I appreciate that some psychologists acknowledge that some women feel distressed after their abortions. However, referring these women to a "proChoice" website for counseling is not sending them to an objective, neutral therapist. Do you have data on the effectiveness of their counseling?
If most people are OK with abortion, then why do so many become enraged at seeing little old ladies praying the Rosary in front of abortion centers? I received an irate phone call from a woman who was enraged that I had "violated" her privacy by hanging a "40 Days for Life" card on her door knob (the card had my phone number on it).
I had an abortion over 30 years ago and I became active in the pro-life movement as a consequence, as have many other post-abortive women (and men). Abortion is a terrible medical procedure and the medical community (including the psychiatrists and psychologists) would regain some credibility if they didn't pretend that everything was going to be OK afterwards - that all we need to do in order to feel better is just keep saying it was the right choice. A healthier outcome for me was to admit that I made a mistake and seek forgiveness from God (since I believe in one).
If you want to drive more women into the pro-life movement then just keep pretending that abortion is a good thing for women.

You say "If most people are OK with abortion, then why do so many become enraged at seeing little old ladies praying the Rosary in front of abortion centers? I received an irate phone call from a woman who was enraged that I had "violated" her privacy by hanging a "40 Days for Life" card on her door knob (the card had my phone number on it)."

I hear this type of comment a lot from people pushing beliefs on others, so I always ask what would you do, and how would you behave, if the situation was reversed? If a someone put a card on your door stating that your ovaries would roll up into your pelvis if you drove a car, would you be irate? If they then chased you down the road praying for your health as you drove away, would you be enraged? If a Jehovah's witness put a pamphlet on your door chastising you for a blood transfusion, how would you feel? If the person followed up with information on PTSD related to said transfusion and offered you counseling, what would you do?

Dear Aug 17th, 2014 comment, What are you saying exactly? I can elaborate on my perspective as a post abortive woman. But where are you at about abortion? We live our lives and we make decisions and sometimes our decisions don't line up with others. So we carry on! There is no going back! I miss the one I aborted! But worrying about the rosary praying ladies and the jehovah's witness...please go easy on yourself and stop the co-dependency. Believe in yourself and your unique contributions to the world...you cannot please every body. Let them believe and do what's right for them and you do the same! Time will tell..,

Dear Aug 17th, 2014 comment, What are you saying exactly? I can elaborate on my perspective as a post abortive woman. But where are you at about abortion? We live our lives and we make decisions and sometimes our decisions don't line up with others. So we carry on! There is no going back! I miss the one I aborted! But worrying about the rosary praying ladies and the jehovah's witness...please go easy on yourself and stop the co-dependency. Believe in yourself and your unique contributions to the world...you cannot please every body. Let them believe and do what's right for them and you do the same! Time will tell..,

That certainly doesn't sound like a "neutral, agenda-free" referral at all. This is a terrible example of mixing science and political agendas. It distorts the issue for women who really need help to suggest that although they may be traumatized it's really only what other people think that is causing it. How does that help a woman suffering from realizing the irreversible consequences her choice caused? For many women the trauma sets in when wanted children are born or even much later in life when what "was" didn't continue to be all that it should have been. I appreciate the acknowledgement of this very real issue, but it honestly sounds like an attempt at apologetics an industry.

It certainly doesn't sound like a "neutral, agenda-free" referral at all. This is a terrible example of mixing science and political agendas. It distorts the issue for women who really need help to suggest that although they may be traumatized it's really only what other people think that is causing it. How does that help a woman suffering from realizing the irreversible consequences her choice caused? For many women the trauma sets in when wanted children are born or even much later in life when what "was" didn't continue to be all that it should have been. I appreciate the acknowledgement of this very real issue, but it honestly sounds like an attempt at apologetics for an industry.

PAS is very real. I'm living with all these symptoms all day everyday since 12-30-10. It was the hardest and most regretful decision I've ever had to make in my life, but at the time I didn't feel I had any other way out of the situation, and I had no idea what I was in for.. Women don't need anyone to dictating to us what we should do with our reproductive systems, or that what I'm going thru is a figment of all post abortive women's imaginations -like we're all insane, just HONESTY and SUPPORT without any political causes.

Hello, I too, am a sufferer of PASS. It is a very real thing that happens to most women - if not all of us - and we really dont need people telling us that we aren't really suffering anthing at all. The only thing I can tell you is that time heals - I had a medical termination on Jan 27th 2008 and its certainly a whole lot easier now. I regretted my decision for a long time until I came to terms with the fact that I had made the right decision. Myself and my partner didnt tell anyone about the abortion and still nobody knows, and he doesnt like to talk about feelings so it was hard not having anyone to talk to, so I wrote down my feelings each week in a letter to the child I aborted. strangley this really helped, I had a hunch that it was a girl, and a psychic said the same. I named the child that would have been 3 this month. We never forget what choice we made but we come to terms with it and I believe it builds us into better people. we aren't insane and please never let anybody tell you that, I really promise you that it gets a lot easier! The best of luck in your progression through this difficult time.

Thank you for your post, I'm the person that posted may 11th.. It is hard. I found out on x-mas and would have been due august 14th which is my step sister's birthday. It's still taking some time to get over all of this but I have to remind myself that I made the right decision. It's hard when the person you got into the situation doesn't communicate with you because they shut it out and refuse to feel or talk about it. Hearing from other people who've gone thru the same thing helps..

Thank you so much for have the courage to say that you knew your baby. I didn't want to write this in my blog for fear of being dismissed as crazy. Great, now I'm crying again. I knew that I was pregnant with a boy. It's too hard to name him. I tried to convince myself that he would have turned out to be like his father...the donor. So I pretended to be glad that I didn't go through with the pregnancy.
I keep thinking of how old he would be and what he would have looked like (really handsome) and what he would have majored in in college (please not engineering). I tell myself that this is morbid but the thoughts still come.
The only forgiveness that I want is from him. I watch the Long Island Medium and on one episode she talked about the soul of a miscarried? baby moving on to where and when he was born.
I sound like a crazy person...but it makes me feel better.
Thank you again.

I too am a believer and I understand your pain and I truly know how you feel. I am living this today and have been for almost 3 years. It will be over 3 years the week after Father's Day. This was the hardest decision of my young life. I know now that God has blessed me with a gift of unconditional love and forgiveness like no other. I feel HIM in my heart every single day and he is our heavenly Father. I respect others boundaries and I am learning how to set healthy ones for myself. I know that God always has a plan for our life and that no matter what we will get through this. It sounds like God gave you an amazing gift as well. I will pray for you every night. I too didn't tell anyone but the abusive partner I had. I had several very traumatic miscarriages and they are thinking that I had post traumatic stress from a rape when I was very young. I am going to see a new counselor to get to the bottom of this but choose my words wisely and carefully because there is not enough protection, other than God and believers and some political parties. I am not for either party and I don't cast judgement on anyone. I am very open minded and spiritual due to the life I lived. I think God had this planned for me and I didn't even realize it. I never knew until today, February 15th, Friday. The day after Valentine's day. The day I started dating my late husband when we were young kids. The day he sent me roses for the first time and the day I left him because that all stopped and I didn't know why. I am learning to be healthy and loving and be myself again. I know that all women suffering from anyone abuse or trauma can overcome this healthy and peacefully. After all I think we just want peace and love, right? That is my belief and I could be wrong. But all I crave is peace and love! Good luck to all of you wonderful people and ladies.

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I am aghast at the comments from the women saying they "made the right decision".

A murder of a child is never a right decision.

I had 3 abortions in total. I was a depressed drunk and already traumatized teenage/young adult and I regret that time of my life more than anyone can ever know.I have been sober now 10 years.

I do know that feeling remorse and shame over these heinous acts is a GOOD thing as it is the only logical way to respond to my acts of killing my own children. Sadly, feminism has sold my generation a pack of lies about abortion, and many other things, but now, in my 40's, I am trying to make amends by passing on the truth to young women, and to care for children that are here now.

I pray for all other women who, like me, have done this terrible act. Just know you are not alone, and there is forgiveness.....but know too that I have not yet been set free from the awful feelings. I am actually going to start some post-abort counseling soon, as I realize I need someone to talk to as I walk though the aftermath of what abortion has done to me and my spirit.

Sorry i totally disagree with "never the right decision", everyones reasons for having an abortion are totally different and its really not your place to judge the rest of us if you are having feelings of guilt about your own decision as a teenager.
I dont mean for this to sound rude, however i have just been through a medical abortion 5 weeks ago as i was advised by dr's that my baby had a genetic disorder and i would not carry to full term.
The thought of possibly bringing a child into this cruel world that would already be disadvantaged and would die following birth, was unbearable for me. So in my heart i know that i made the right decision for my child, myself and my husband. But like i say, it was my decision and the decison was right for me, it may not be right for others but nobody can judge accept God.
It still doesnt make the process any easier and of course i will never forget what happened but i think its very cruel that you sterotype every situation and say" ïts never the right decision".

I am sorry you felt that you had to go this road, but no matter what, abortion is never the "right" decision. You played God with your child's life, just as I did with mine, and that too is never "right" as neither one of us is God.

You are free to disagree, and I understand perfectly why you do, but you have certainly not persuaded me to change my comment just because your feelings are hurt by what I have to say.

I know I sound harsh,and it is not my intention to hurt you personally, but abortion is a scourge upon our people. I truly pray for the day when abortion clinics and this culture of "playing God" with the lives of unborn children is viewed as the shameful thing it is.
Remember too that very few abortions are done for the reasons you gave (not that I condone them either), most are done out of sheer convenience for the parents. I do not blame women exclusively either, as I was under heavy emotional pressure from the father of my unborn children to abort --I know how hard it is to stand alone for what you believe when you are vulnerable.

My main point is that abortion should never be viewed as some acceptable "Door number 2" choice. It is the killing of an unborn child--and again, that can never, ever be the "right" decision.

Hi. Yes, I am willing to email and try to help you answer questions. The truth lies within you though. My truth and my understanding of what I think I learned from the whole situation will be different than yours. We may need help from a mediator on the site since we do not have each other's email addresses. I'm here for you and praying for you. Kind regards

Correct me if i'm wrong but everyone is entitled to their own opinion, i do understand that you are not trying to be rude however it is MY opinion that MY decsion to have an abortion was right for ME, MY baby and My family. You definatley 100% have the right to your own opinion that abortion is never right,however its not your place to judge me or anyone else out there that has gone through this traumatic process and class us as murderers.

Your reasons for abortion were very different to mine,again i dont mean to be rude but you admit that you were a depressed drunk and traumatized teenage/young adult and you were under pressure by the father of the child/ren " when you made this painful decision to abort.
I on the other hand was a pregant mother, excitedly awaiting a very wanted and already loved child, so please dont try and compare yourself to me by saying what we done was wrong. My decision was made out of love for my baby, nothing more.
Please also note, I am not asking you to change your comments or persuede you in any way, because i respect your opinion as your own, even i dont agree with you and i guess thats all i expect from you, to respect my opinion and the opinion of others even if you dont agree with it. This is an open forum after all and nobody is wrong or right.

Back in the early eighties my younger sister took off to another state for about a year, and i KNOW that she was pregnant at the time, she wasn't showing and nobody was supposed to know but a little investigative work on my part revealed to me what i wanted to know, she either gave the baby up for adoption or had an abortion, based on the emotional wreck she was when she got back, and how she has deteriorated ever since i,d be willing to bet she did the latter ( plus i also know that the father of my sisters baby has lost a wife during pregnancy and no attempts by a successive wife have resulted in a healthy pregnancy - and the problem stems from him ).Based on her religious and moral beliefs of the time - it's a pretty good assumption that she wanted to be punished for the abortion, and the only way she felt that would could be accomplished is through her spiritual guilt. To this day she beats herself up for it.

Back in the early eighties my younger sister took off to another state for about a year, and i KNOW that she was pregnant at the time, she wasn't showing and nobody was supposed to know but a little investigative work on my part revealed to me what i wanted to know, she either gave the baby up for adoption or had an abortion, based on the emotional wreck she was when she got back, and how she has deteriorated ever since i,d be willing to bet she did the latter ( plus i also know that the father of my sisters baby has lost a wife during pregnancy and no attempts by a successive wife have resulted in a healthy pregnancy - and the problem stems from him ).Based on her religious and moral beliefs of the time - it's a pretty good assumption that she wanted to be punished for the abortion, and the only way she felt that would could be accomplished is through her spiritual guilt.

I'm so happy to see a secular magazine acknowledging the fact that abortion harms women psychologically. It is something that women need to be aware of. I suffered with PASS for over 10 years, I regret my abortion completely. I became severely depressed. I am now completely against abortion but pro-life or not, this article is a positive start.

I just finished watching the movie 'October Baby.' I have been crying for the last hour because this movie brought back feelings that I thought were forgotten. I glanced over the standard ugliness from you so called "pro" lifers blogged so this is hard for me.
This is the first time that I have told my story. I had 2 abortions in my life. I live in fear that I am going to hell. Good old Catholic guilt. I live with guilt for not being strong enough to do what felt right to me. I try to forgive myself, the unloved and unwanted 21 year-old who wasn't strong enough to single-handedly find a way to save myself and my baby.
My first pregnancy is the one that I cry over. I wanted the baby so badly. The baby's father and I had been happily living together for over a year. He turned into a different person when I told him that I was pregnant. He said that I had to have an abortion or he would kick me out that day. He dumped me off in front of the hospital and made me take a cab home. Since he insisted on an abortion will he go to hell too?
I should have walked away. I thought about it but I had absolutely nowhere to go. Going back 'home' was not an option. My parents were very abusive and this would have given them more fodder for their abuse. I would not subject a child to that.
In those days we didn't have organizations who would help you have a baby. If I had gone to an 'unwed' mothers home--wherever that was--they would have taken the baby from me. That would have killed me. I would have committed suicide. But who cares so the 'prolifers' say, as long as the baby lived.
The second abortion was the result of a date rape. And I felt grateful for having a way to end a forced pregnancy.
It seems strange to have such opposing feelings over abortion. Guilt and gratitude. Each pregnancy resulted from different acts--one of love (or so I believed) and one of violence. So it is probable that women have differing feelings about having had an abortion.
I am thankful for this forum. For those of you who erroneously believe to know the mind of God, save your condemnation of women like me. Instead, show some courage and speak the truth of YOUR life.

Hello. I am post abortive. June 2, 1995 from Planned Parenthood Ann Arbor Michigan. Finding out about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder helped me understand what was happening to me. I went to Planned Parenthood in a state of distress. I loved the baby. I loved the father. My brother And the baby's father And supposedly his sisters felt that having an abortion was the right thing to do. The conflict between what I wanted, to keep my baby, and the opinion of the people encouraging me to abort, put me into a state of crisis. I had the abortion in that state of crisis and only discovered it Sept 2012. The state of confusion and distress stuck with me through all these years. There was grief over the loss, panic. Phases of suicidal tendencies, pervasive thoughts about my unborn child and how old she belonged. Our God is a God of Forgiveness. Jesus took all our sins, all of mankind, and bore them on the cross. There is no unforgivable sin. God uses all of us. We make mistakes. We are given new opportunities to share our pain, help encourage other women to keep their children, donate to groups supporting unwed mothers, tell politicians and Pres Obama that abortion hurts more than it helps. Abortion may help some women and it also hurts some women. We are forgiven. We do not go to hell, but the sadness we feel from the loss of our babies is hell on earth. God LOVES us. He loves our babies. He values life, but he welcomes the souls of our little ones too. All is not lost. Life just takes a different path than the one we chose. I do not think abortion freed me from anything, instead it chained me to a pro-life cause. No mother should suffer through abortion.

True that majority of the women do suffer from post abortion stress syndrome. And most of the people are unaware of it and this makes the life hard for the patient as the people around are more likely to accuse and all.mail microsoft outlook And this article will surely give an idea about the issue. Good work!!
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